What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is split into 2 parts – the science and the theory.

By understanding the science behind birth – how your body works, the important part that hormones play and what to expect it means that you are more mentally prepared for the birth. You understand the steps of birth instead of being taken by complete surprise.

The benefit of your birth partner understanding this is huge, it means that they also understand the process instead of wondering if everything is happening as it should. It is so important for your birth partner to be able to support you and protect the space during your labour yet many birth partners often feel powerless. Through hypnobirthing, you work as a team (if you choose to do so) in order for the whole family to get the most out of the birthing experience.

During the ‘science’ element of the course we will also discuss different types of birth such as caesareans, inductions as well as methods of pain relief and other intervention methods in order for you to be able to make a more informed decision if and when these are presented to you. Many parents haven’t heard of different options until they are being asked to make a decision and its important for you to understand different scenarios in order for you to feel in control.

The other part of hypnobirthing is the ‘theory’ which is learning different techniques to boost your confidence, feel positive and excited for the birth of your baby and all important relaxation techniques to help assist you prior to the birth ( hypnobirthing is not just about labour itself it’s about feeling confident throughout your pregnancy). You will learn about active birth and the impact that it can have on your labour, how to focus yourself once labour begins, the importance of a flexible birth plan.

Discussing how to make the most out of your birthing environment is crucial and is an important element that your birth partner can assist with in order for you to focus on you and your baby. If you choose to have a birth partner, their role is invaluable and can make all the difference to ensuring that you are able to feel safe within your birthing zone.

What type of birth is it for?

Hypnobirthing is for EVERY single type of birth. Its all about you making informed choices which are best for you and your baby. It’s not just water births or births without pain relief it’s for every single type of birth, because every birth is different. 

Hypnobirthing gives you the power to take back control of your birth and create a positive environment which will keep you calm and in control. We do not suggest that you go against medical advice, we just want you to be informed and do what is best for you and not whats best for the convenience of others.

The course helps you to spend much needed time with your birth partner prior to the birth in order for them to fully understand your preferences in order to become your voice during labour, to help them to understand what they will be responsible and when it comes to the birth itself it allows them to understand where you might be in the birthing process and protect your space by fielding questions from medical staff as well as ensuring your environment stays warm, cosy and relaxed in order to help you remain focused.

When is it best to start hypnobirthing?

It is recommended that you start hypnobirthing around 20 weeks pregnant as it then gives you plenty of time to be able to start getting used to the techniques, practice at home and become confident in your preferences and your body’s ability to birth your baby. We always suggest that you prepare for every eventuality for your birth, however, there may be things that you definitely do and don’t want regardless on the type of birth you have and its important that you and your birth partner have thought about these with plenty of time before your baby’s birth.

Regardless of where you are in your pregnancy, hypnobirthing techniques can be applied – don’t panic if you are approaching your due date, knowledge is key.

Don’t be put off getting in contact with us if you are approaching the end of your pregnancy, we will be able to look at a variety of possibilities in order to help you as best as we can.

How we can help

We offer a variety of different courses depending on what type of thing you are looking for, whether that be a group where you have the potential to meet new people soon to become parents, a private course where we will spend the whole course focusing primarily on your birth or a refresher course.

With every course that we facilitate, we provide support by telephone and email until after your baby is born.

We are also able to facilitate reunions and the opportunity to discuss your birth should this be something that you are interested in. 

Our courses are designed with a view to both your birth partner and yourself attending, if this isn’t possible, don’t be put off booking one of our courses. More and more midwives are training in hypnobirthing with a lot of NHS units now being able to assist a hypnobirthing mother (we are unable to confirm which units these are and exactly what services are provided).

At The Yorkshire Hypnobirthing School we offer a friendly, open and confidential space for you to talk about any apprehensions or desires that you may have for your pregnancy and birth.